Man dies in tractor incident in Opotiki

An Opotiki man in his 70s has died when he was caught in mowing machinery he was helping repair.

Police were alerted to a fatality on the grounds of Opotiki College about 3pm today.

Police said the victim was a local man in his 70s who had been helping with repairs on mowing equipment belonging to the college when he was caught in the machinery, leading to fatal injuries.

There are no suspicious circumstances. The Department of Labour have been advised and the matter will be referred to the Coroner.

Fire Northern Communications shift manager Megan Ruru said the fire service was also called to help ambulance staff about 3pm after being told a man was trapped under a tractor at the school on Buchanan St.

The back fields of Opotiki College run along the whole of Buchanan St. Both ends of the street were cordoned off.

She said when fire responded, the man was dead and police took over.

When The Daily Post arrived at the scene, the tractor was right at the boundary fence of the college. A tarpaulin covered the rear of the tractor.

Members of the public had gathered near the scene including a group of between 20-30 people who had gathered on Buchanan St, near where the tractor was.

A police car was at each end of Buchanan St and about five police officers are at the scene. Undertakers arrived at the scene about 5.20pm.